EXPERIMENTS IN LIGHT STRUCTURE LABORATORY

CONTENTS

Introduction.3 Objectives of the Experiments. Apparatus. Procedures... Observations... Results... Calculations & Discussion .. Conclusions Appendix References

Introduction
In Engineering fields, they are many subject and theories which plays a very important role in the construction of structures, building, tunnels, bridges, skyscrapers, water tanks, flyovers, towers, and dams. Structural analysis are Engineering artifacts whose integrity are considered largely focused on the ability to withstand loads. It comprises the set of physical laws and mathematical calculations which are required to study and predict the behaviors of structures. Structural Analysis, from theoretical point of view incorporates the fields of mechanics and dynamics, as well as the many failure theories. It also deals with the computation of deformations, internal forces and stresses. From some of the laboratory exercise and calculations using certain terms and formulas we can achieve a balance loads in the structures of the buildings.

Objectives of the Experiments

1. To show that the bending moment at a cut section of a beam is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments acting to the left or right of the section.

2. To show that the force at a cut section of a beam is equal to the algebraic sum of the forces acting to the left or right of the section.

3. To determine the deflection of a simply supported beam.

4. To determine the buckling load for printed ended strut.

Apparatus
A pair of simple supports

A special beam with cut section. A set of weights with several load hangers.

A pair of pinned support. A dial gauge with 0.01mm accuracy to measure deflection.

Beam specimen with constant depth and width throughout its length.

Procedures
1. Connect the load cell to the digital indicator. 2. Switch on the indicator. For stability of the reading the indicator must be switched on 10mins. Before taking the readings. 3. Fix the two simple supports to the aluminum base at a distance equal to the span of the beam to be tested. Screw the supports tightly to the base. 4. Hang the load hanger to the beam. 5. Place the beam on the supports. 6. Place the load hanger at the desired location. 7. Note the indicator reading, if it is not zero press the tare button on the indicator. 8. Place a load on the hanger. 9. Record the indicator readings. This represents the force at the cut section. 10. Add load to the load hanger and record the indicator reading. 11. Repeat step 10 for another 5 sets of reading.

Observations
Before starting this experiment it is very important to read and follow the entire safety requirement for the laboratory exercises. For a successful laboratory experiment to be achieved safety measure should highly considered. Below are some of the safety measures to be followed. Safety measures 1. Ensure you handle all fragile equipments with care. 2. Wear a proper clothes and shoes to the laboratory. 3. Avoid eye and mouth contact with hazardous items in the laboratory.
4. Note down readings carefully. 5. Notify the laboratory keeper before using the lab. 6. Remember to switch off the lights and other electronic machine when exiting the lab. 7. Do not leave the floor wet to avoid accident which can cause severe injure when slipped.

Results
Bending moment experiment: Beam span = 900mm Distances of the cut section from the left support = 605mm Distance of the load cell from the centre of the beam cross section = 175mm Table Load (N) w Load cell Reading, F (N) Bending Moment at X-X (N-mm) Experiment= F*175 (N) 5 10 15 20 25 3.2 6.3 9.5 12.4 15.4 560.0 1102.5 1662.5 2170.0 2695.0 Theory (N) Mxx 529.185 1058.0 1587.0 2116.185 2644.82

Shear force: Beam span = 900mm Distance of the cut section from the left support = 575mm

Table: Load (N) W Load cell Reading, F (N) Bending Moment at X-X (N-mm) Experimental shear Shear force Theory force (N) Fxx (N) % Error

5 10 15 20 25

0.1 1.7 9.3 6 7.6

0.1 1.7 9.3 6 7.6

-1.53 -3.06 -4.58 -6.11 -7.64

-106.54 -155.56 -303.06 -198.10 199.45

Deflection of beams: Span of tested beam, L = 660mm Width of beam specimen, b = 25mm Depth of beam specimen (l) = (bd3/12) Dial gauge reading, 1 div = 0.01mm Elastic Modulus (E) = 2x105 N/mm2

Table: Load (N) w Deflection (mm) Experimental Deflection div 5 10 15 20 25 65 128 193 256 321 mm 0.65 1.28 1.93 2.56 3.21 Theory deflection (mm) % Error

0.69 1.39 2.08 2.77 3.46

6.154 8.246 7.069 7.551 7.263

Strut Apparatus: Length of member, L = 650mm Width of specimen, b = 25mm Depth of specimen, d = 2.58mm Moment of inertia of beam specimen (l) = mm Dial gauge reading, 1 div = 0.01mm

Table: Load (N) w Deflection (mm) Experimental Deflection div mm Deflection/Load (mm)

26.8 41.4 57.4 65.8 76.8

70.0 112.5 165.0 196.5 233.0

0.7 1.125 1.65 1.965 2.33

Calculations and Discussion

In the Bending moment experiment and computations Beam span = 900mm, Distances of the cut section from the left support = 605mm, Distance of the load cell from the centre of the beam cross section = 175mm, and the load, w (N) was also calculated. So, we solved for the values of Theory as: Mxx = VA + Lx w (Lx L1) Mxx = 3.467 x 555-5(555-276) Mxx = 529.185N etc

The graph Load vs. bending moment.

Shear force Beam span = 900mm, Distances of the cut section from the left support = 575mm and the Error theory as: % Error = [Experiments SF Theory SF/theory SF] x 100 % Error = [x y/y] x 100 %Error = [0.1 (-1.53)/-1.53] x 100 % Error = -106.54 The graph load vs. shear force.

Conclusions

These experiments have given the practical approach in which we can achieve the theoretical and computation moments acting on the beams which can occur either on the left or right of the section. It also showed that the algebraic sum of the forces acting to the left or right of the section is equivalent to the shear force at a cut section. Deflection of beams can be achieved by determining the deflection of a simply supported beam. Inclusion, Strut apparatus can be used to determine the buckling load for a pinned ended strut. For accurate results to be achieved in sure kind of experiment, certain precautions and

safety measure must be considered. Standard procedure must be followed and the calculations should be done correctly.

Appendix

References

Civil Engineering Construction Design and Management, Warren D, Palgrave, MacMillan, 1996.

Introduction to structural mechanics, Smith P. S. 2001. Structural Analysis, Coates, Coutie, and Kong, 3rd Edition, Spon Press, 1994. Site Safety Handbook, Bielby S. C, Revised by Read J. A, CIRA, 2001 Advanced Construction Technology, Chudley R. Longman, 2001. http://www.ghrce.raisoni.net/download/SOM.pdf/analysis

http://www.ghrce.raisoni.net/download/lab_civil/Strength_of_Maerials.pdf/aparatusf

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/24705281/Asymmetric-Bending-Experiment